Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

Many  questions here about a new Ariens 8526 snowblower bundled into one posting:

1)  Any adverse effect of using a spray belt dressing on the auger belt?   Squeals a bit while engaging.

2)  Changing oil from dino to synthetic.  Have done the two hour break in with the oil it came with.  Do I need to change the synthetic oil again shortly after putting it in to insure it's all synthetic, or does that not matter?  Also, what grade to use in a machine stored in an unheated Boston shed?

3)  Tires, I'm told, are supposed to really aggressive in snow.  I found them to slip and attract a layer of snow.  Would tire chains help?

4)  Lastly, what spray is good to prevent chutes from collecting slush and snow?  Heard Pam works - never tried.

Hi Newt,

Synthetics such as Mobil One are fully compatible with dino oil, so you have nothing to worry about.  I just did the 2 hour service on my new machine the other day as well.  I warmed it up and then drained the oil out.  You're only talking about a quart or less of oil.  If it really concerns you in any way, you can always do another oil change after using it for a few hours.